Michigan State‘s annual Green-White Spring Game has been scheduled for Saturday, April 13th at Spartan Stadium. Kick off for the Green-White Spring Game is scheduled for 2 pm.
MSU's Green-White Spring Game, presented by McLaren Health Plan, has been set for Saturday, April 13 at 2 p.m. Additional details regarding the spring game and the youth clinic will be announced at a later date. https://t.co/ZoappCn8xP pic.twitter.com/qYcUZR77wh
— Michigan State Football (@MSU_Football) January 23, 2019
The game will be televised on the Big Ten Network, with broadcast details to be determined.
What to expect from the Spartans in 2019
Michigan State is coming off a 7-6 season, that was capped off by a disappointing 7-6 loss to Oregon in the Redbox Bowl. The Spartans’ fall from 10 wins in 2017 to seven was especially disappointing given the expectations and experience the program had returning in the 2018 season. Michigan State had 21 returning starters, including most of a defense that ranked No. 2 against the run and an emerging quarterback in Brian Lewerke.
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The Spartans never reach their potential due to a struggling offense, which managed to score just two touchdowns in the final five games of the season, and a ton of injuries. MSU finished 117th in total offense and 126th in scoring offense last season, which left what would become the country’s No. 1-ranked run defense without support.
While there aren’t as many returning starters as compared to last year, the Spartans have 17 starters set to return in 2019. The defense returns eight starters and the offense will return at least seven. There are also 37 total players returning who have starting experience (17 offense, 14 defense, and six special teams). The Green-White Spring Game offers us our first look at the prospective 2019-20 team.
Even with starting cornerback Justin Layne declaring for the NFL draft, the Spartans’ defense returns a number of key pieces including linebacker Joe Bachie, defensive tackle Raequan Williams, cornerback Josiah Scott, and defensive end Kenny Willekes.
Despite struggling last year and being limited due to injury, Brian Lewerke will likely start his third season under center. The Spartans will also lean on running back Connor Heyward, wide receiver Darrell Stewart, and wide receiver Cody White as they look to improve the underwhelming offensive production from 2018.
Michigan State has a more difficult road schedule in 2019, with games at Michigan, Ohio State, and Wisconsin.
The Spartans begin spring practice on Tuesday, March 12th and the 2019 season kicks off on August 30th when Tulsa visits East Lansing.
